New research has revealed a chilling link between air pollution and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, potentially paving the way for early detection and additional protection for those at increased risk. The study, published in the iScience journal, was conducted by researchers in Italy who discovered a genetic clue that suggests inhaling polluted air can alter gene activity in the brain, creating an ideal environment for diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s to develop.
The research highlighted some concerning changes in young adults, such as increased signals of DNA damage in their brain tissue to the extent that it was mirroring Alzheimer’s pathology decades before the usual age of diagnosis. It is also believed that individuals in certain occupations, including miners, factory workers, and drivers, are at a higher risk.
Those working with plastics also face the unseen danger of nanoparticles impacting their brains. However, it’s not all bad news; this discovery could enable doctors to check for these changes without resorting to invasive procedures, using extracellular vesicles.
These structures transport material from damaged neurons, so testing them for these particles could serve as an early warning sign from the brain. While being generally unhealthy and exposed to polluted air from an early age can influence the risk of developing these conditions linked to toxic air, further research is needed to fully comprehend this relationship.
News Medical experts noted: “Real-world air pollution is complex, making it hard to study precise effects.” The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs provides daily updates and forecast on air quality, with pollution levels varying day-to-day and projections available up to five days in advance.
Asthma + Lung UK holds several preventative measures to minimise the health risks on days with high pollution levels. These include staying indoors, avoiding exercise outside, walking away from traffic, closing car windows, and opting for outdoor activities earlier in the day when the air tends to be cleaner.
Further research into how younger demographics and other cognitive functions are affected by air pollution is being called for, the outcomes of which could pave the way for innovative preventative treatments, improvement in workplace safety, environmental standards, and legal regulations.
Harmful particles and gases from various sources like wildfires, vehicular emissions, and industrial processes contribute to air pollution, imposing risks not only to heart and lung health but carrying heavy metals known to be toxic.
The insidious effects of air pollution on brain health are gathering attention; studies show that airborne ultrafine matter can breach the bloodstream upon inhalation, reach the brain, compromise the protective blood-brain barrier, and provoke inflammation, a precursor to neurodegenerative diseases.
Other toxins can accumulate in the brain tissue or even penetrate the blood-brain barrier, causing direct damage to brain cells. However, research on this topic is still somewhat limited.